In response to this week’s severe flooding, the City of Port St. Lucie has opened a Disaster Relief Program to help low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners repair critical damage to their primary residences. The initiative, funded through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), allocates $1 million to provide interest‑free, deferred‑payment loans of up to $25,000.
Who qualifies for assistance?
To be eligible, applicants must meet income guidelines, have owned and occupied the home within city limits for at least one year, and have an assessed property value of $560,154 or less. Homeowners must also be current on mortgage and property‑tax payments. The program is limited to primary residences; manufactured homes, pools, hot tubs, and any work that is illegal or not permitted are excluded.
What expenses are covered?
Approved loans can be used for a range of emergency repairs, including roof work, weatherproofing, water extraction, removal of water‑damaged materials, emergency plumbing or electrical repairs, temporary structural stabilization, and other actions necessary to preserve the safety and integrity of the home. Tree and debris removal required to restore habitability and payment of homeowner‑insurance deductibles for eligible rehabilitation work are also covered.
Funding does not cover mold or mildew inspection, testing, removal, or remediation. Homeowners must complete any required mold remediation before the city will approve repair work. Once remediation is finished, eligible repairs may be funded.
How the loan works
The city’s loans carry a 0% interest rate and are deferred, meaning no monthly payments are required. Loans are forgiven over a five‑year period in accordance with program guidelines, provided the work is directly related to the declared disaster and approved by the city.
Application process
Pre‑applications open at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. Residents can submit their applications online, or they may contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 772‑344‑4084, email [email protected], or visit City Hall at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd for assistance.
The program will remain open until the allocated $1 million is exhausted. City officials encourage eligible homeowners to apply promptly, as funds are limited and will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Community impact
By offering swift, affordable assistance, Port St. Lucie aims to help families restore safe, livable homes and prevent further property loss. The program reflects the city’s commitment to supporting its residents during natural‑disaster emergencies and underscores the importance of local government action in protecting families and neighborhoods.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
